UMd. Sorority Sisters Charged With Assault, Hazing

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Prince George’s County police have charged seven University of Maryland sorority sisters with assaulting and hazing a pledge during initiation.

Charging documents say the student told police that current or former Zeta Phi Beta sorority members assaulted her off campus at least three times, including pushing her into a wall and striking her with an oak paddle. Police say the student’s arms and chest were severely bruised.

Six of the women appeared in court Thursday morning or afternoon for preliminary hearings. The seventh is expected in court March 17.

The university says the sorority was suspended in November after officials learned it didn’t follow pledging guidelines.

In an unrelated move, university officials have also halted pledge activities at three fraternities for possible violations.